Poor workplace rehabilitation keeps workers on sick

14/07/2008

Poor workplace rehabilitation is stopping government efforts to get sick workers back into jobs, a new report has claimed.

The study, by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), found more than a third of employers provide no rehabilitation support for returning employees.

Ben Willmott of the CIPD said: "The government could make a real difference by providing tax incentives to encourage more employers to occupational health and vocational rehabilitation services."

The report revealed sickness absence levels have fallen, but only slightly - down from 8.4 days per worker per year, to eight days.

Absence rates in the public sector were higher (9.8 days) it revealed, but they have also fallen this year, down from 10.3 days.

The increased use of workplace rehabilitation support and services would help reduce the number taking sick leave, said Mr Willmott.

Particular "the provision of access to occupational health services, the use of flexible working to aid phased returns to work and the provision of access to counselling services".

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